KUALA LUMPUR: Often the subject of scrutiny and gossip, changing trends in fashion and lifestyle choices by Malaysian celebrities would get people talking. Now, the latest target of netizens, the decision by some local female celebrities to remove their headscarves or hijabs has not gone unnoticed.
Among those who have attracted attention online are Masya Masyitah, Nadia Annuar, Alya Iman, Tash Yong and Intan Sarafina.
Their latest appearances without hijabs have set off the comments section on their social media accounts, drawing quite some flak from fans and netizens who disagree with their 'fashion statement'.
Some have offered explanations for their decisions; such as wanting to be truthful and honest to themselves, refusing to be hypocritical, or finding it challenging to remain steadfast in wearing the hijab.
Some even felt compelled to offer up an apology.
Most recently, actress Mawar Rashid has apologised to all those disappointed by her decision to remove her hijab and asked the public to pray for her to remain steadfast in self-improvement.
"I've done it, and I've tried my best to be steadfast all this time, but I failed this time. Pray for me to be steadfast in my efforts to overcome my flaws. Thank you to those who continue to support me, provide positive words, and pray for me.
"Despite everything that has happened, I am still striving to mend my relationship with Allah. Let my efforts in this regard remain between me and Allah," she said in a post on her social media account.
However, ten days after announcing that she would no longer wear the hijab, Mawar deleted all photos that showed her without it on her social media accounts.
During this time, Mawar also apologised for choosing to distance herself from everyone and expressed that she is more comfortable sharing her problems with the therapist who treats her in confidence.
"I apologise that I still cannot provide any feedback to anyone. I apologise to my family, friends, and the media. Thank you to my family and friends for always being there for me. However, I have chosen to sever my connections with everything and everyone. I am only communicating with my therapist, for now, and maybe forever," she said.
On the other hand, newcomer Alya Iman, who made the decision to take off the hijab after Hari Raya Aidilfitri, stated that she did not want to continue being dishonest to herself on social media.
"I don't want to be hypocritical and want to be myself. Before this, I was struggling with myself, contemplating on whether I was ready to face negative comments from netizens when I shared my new appearance on social media.
"After approval from family and close friends, I was determined to share the change in my image with the public. I won't deny that there was also a sense of sadness when netizens left negative comments and prayed for bad things for me.
"However, I accept whatever comments are given with an open heart. At least, I am relieved that I no longer have to hide," she said in an interview.
Meanwhile, up-and-coming singer, Masya Masyitah, 23, who made the same decision in July, hopes that no one blames her parents for her choice and emphasises that it was her personal decision.
"It's my personal choice. If you want to be angry, let it be directed at me alone. There's no need to bring my mother into it and blame my parents. Who said my father will have to bear the sin? It's my (life and) decision and I did it myself, so I will be made self-accountable," she said.
Previously, Masya, whose real name is Siti Nurmasyitah Mohd Yusoff, surprised many when she uploaded several photos without a hijab on her Instagram page on July 30.
As for actress Tash Yong, 33- who was only able to wear the hijab for three years- she explained that her decision to remove it was due to her weak faith.
Tash, whose real name is Nur Natasha Shazlia Rosli, said that although she no longer wears the hijab now, it does not mean that she will never wear it again.
"I apologise; I am just a (flawed) servant of Allah. My faith is not strong enough. However, just because I am not wearing the hijab now does not mean I will never wear it again. I am still trying to plan again, trying to be good again. Thank you to all who pray for me," she said.